The Miami Dolphins have wasted no time reshaping their coaching staff under new head coach Jeff Hafley, and the overhaul is starting to take real shape. Over the past week, the team has made a flurry of hires, filling key positional roles across the board-including some intriguing names that could have a major impact heading into the 2026 season.
Let’s start in the secondary, where the Dolphins brought in Jahmile Addae as the new cornerbacks coach and tapped Ryan Donward to oversee the entire unit. Addae, known for his aggressive, press-heavy coaching style, will be tasked with maximizing a talented but inconsistent cornerback group. Donward, meanwhile, brings a broader vision to the back end of the defense, and together, they’ll be expected to clean up some of the miscommunications that plagued Miami last season.
On offense, the Dolphins made a headline-grabbing move by hiring Nathaniel Hackett as quarterbacks coach-a decision that’s already sparked plenty of debate. Hackett’s recent track record as a head coach may raise some eyebrows, but in a more focused role, there’s optimism that he can help develop Miami’s young quarterback room and bring some creativity to the passing game. Zach Yenser also joins the staff to lead the offensive line, a group that will be under the microscope after an up-and-down 2025 campaign.
The coordinator positions are coming into focus as well. Bobby Slowik has been promoted to offensive coordinator after showing promise in his previous role, and Chris Tabor has been brought in to run special teams-a savvy move, considering Tabor’s reputation as one of the league’s more respected ST minds.
But the biggest piece still missing from Miami’s puzzle is the defensive coordinator. And while fans are eager for an announcement, the Dolphins are playing the long game here-and for good reason.
The team is reportedly waiting on the outcome of Anthony Weaver’s candidacy for the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching job before finalizing their DC hire. Weaver, currently an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens, is not in the running for the Las Vegas Raiders’ opening, but remains in the mix in Arizona.
The catch? Both Arizona and Las Vegas are also considering Klint Kubiak, Seattle’s offensive coordinator, who has emerged as a top candidate for both jobs.
The buzz around the league suggests Kubiak prefers the Raiders-who hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Add in a more favorable cap situation, and it’s not hard to see why Las Vegas might be the more appealing job.
If Kubiak does end up in Vegas, that would leave the door open in Arizona-but even then, Weaver’s chances appear slim. Rams OC Mike LaFleur is reportedly the frontrunner, with Weaver viewed as a long shot.
So why wait?
It comes down to the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which incentivizes teams to develop minority coaches. If Weaver lands a head coaching job, the Dolphins-who helped develop him-would receive a third-round compensatory pick this year and next.
That’s not just a nice bonus; it’s a strategic edge. A third-rounder this year would give Miami six picks in the top 100, and with the 2027 draft class already being hyped as one of the deepest in recent memory, every extra pick counts.
Now, behind the scenes, it seems Miami already has a plan in place. All signs point to Sean Duggan, the Green Bay Packers’ linebackers coach, as the likely choice to become the Dolphins’ next defensive coordinator. While nothing has been made official, Green Bay has already hired a replacement-Sam Siefkes-to coach linebackers, which suggests Duggan is on the move.
Duggan is a rising name in coaching circles, known for his work developing young linebackers and his ability to connect with players. If he does land the job, it would be a forward-thinking hire that fits the mold of what Miami’s new front office is trying to build.
Still, the Dolphins are wise to hold off on any announcements. If they were to make a move now and Weaver ends up getting the Cardinals job, they’d forfeit those valuable comp picks.
It’s a delicate balance-wait too long, and you risk losing your top candidate. Move too soon, and you miss out on draft capital.
But early signs suggest new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan has a firm grip on the situation. This isn’t the Dolphins front office of old.
In short, Miami’s coaching carousel is spinning fast-but there’s a method to the madness. The staff is coming together with a blend of experience, upside, and strategic planning.
And if the Dolphins can land their preferred defensive coordinator without giving up a chance at extra draft picks? That’s just smart football business.